School Board Member’s Controversial Photo with Far-Right Media Host Sparks Outrage in Columbia Community

COLUMBIA, SC – A Controversial Encounter Shakes the Community

The Columbia area is buzzing this week after a photo surfaced of Lexington-Richland Five school board member, Elizabeth Barnhardt, posing with far-right media host Owen Shroyer. This snapshot is raising eyebrows not just for who she’s smiling with, but also for what he represents.

Shroyer, known for his affiliation with the conspiracy-driven Infowars platform, has a controversial track record. He was sentenced to two months in prison due to his participation in the January 6 Capitol riots and is recognized for promoting baseless conspiracy theories about high-profile incidents like the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. Barnhardt’s decision to pose for a photo with him and call him an “**incredible American and patriot**” on social media has led many in the community to feel uneasy.

A Snapshot Stirring Controversy

In the now-removed Facebook post, which accompanied the photo, Barnhardt tagged Shroyer and expressed admiration for his show, “War Room.” This public endorsement has sent ripples through the Columbia community, prompting conversations about the implications of aligning with such polarizing figures.

As many residents are weighing in, some parents are expressing deep concern. Danielle Gray, a parent of a student at Dutch Fork High School, voiced her worries directly, stating, “It’s just absolutely disgusting.” Her concerns center around the safety and well-being of students within the Lexington-Richland Five district, where Barnhardt serves as a board member.

The Larger Picture

Barnhardt’s photograph with Shroyer is just one instance in a series of controversies that has come to define her tenure on the school board. Since her election in 2022, she has often sided with more conservative viewpoints, notably when she was criticized for her involvement in halting a lesson at Chapin High School that focused on a book by Ta-Nehisi Coates. The backlash from that event shaped much of the public’s perspective on her role on the board.

During that situation, Barnhardt labeled critiques from teacher groups as “false and defamatory.” It seems this latest incident has rekindled those sentiments, raising questions about how the school board’s decisions are made and whom they are aligned with.

What’s Next for the District?

As the community grapples with the implications of Barnhardt’s actions, it comes at a pivotal time for Lexington-Richland Five. With a significant $240 million bond referendum being considered by voters in Chapin and Irmo, the focus on how the school district handles taxpayer money is under a microscope.

This situation also comes amidst reports showing that while more South Carolina students are graduating ready for college or careers, high rates of absenteeism are continuing to impact many students’ academic outcomes. It paints a complex picture of a district attempting to balance educational readiness with community concerns over governance and safety.

The Dialogue Continues

The mix of educational governance and political affiliations has stirred a vibrant—albeit contentious—dialogue within the Columbia community. As education reporter Ian Grenier notes, residents are actively discussing the ramifications of a school board member posing with a figure tied to extremist views.

Questioning the motives and alignments within educational leadership is essential, especially when the stakes for students’ futures are so high. As the community continues to reflect on these events, it remains to be seen what actions, if any, will come from Lexington-Richland Five’s leadership in response to growing concerns from parents and constituents.